International Studbooks

The most important
tool in scientifically managing ex situ populations of wild animals, ensuring
in particular their sufficient size, demographic stability and high level of
genetic diversity, is studbooks, wherein all data relevant to the captive
population of a certain species are collected and continuously updated. The
studbook keeper maintains the pedigree and demographic history of a
specifically defined taxon such as genus, species, sub-species or other
specific captive population. Studbooks contain the registration number of each
animal of the particular species in captivity, its sex and birthdate, the
identity (registration numbers) of its parents, where it was born and where
(and when) it was transferred to, ownership information, as we as its house
name and its identifiers (such as transponders, tattoos and tags). The update
section of the studbook compiles any births, captures, transfers, deaths and
releases during the reporting period. Other information important to the
management of the species is also included such as rearing information or
behavioural traits affecting the ability to be used in a breeding programme,
and causes of death. A location glossary, including the names, addresses and
contact information for all historic and current holders, allows communication
between the various holders and the studbook keeper.

In considering the
ownership of the studbook data and the subsequent availability of the studbook dataset,
WAZA concluded that all studbooks managed under the auspices of, and on behalf
of, a recognised studbook authority (whether WAZA or a WAZA member association)
are to be developed for the collective benefit. The data in such studbooks are
to be held under the stewardship of the studbook authority. The studbook keeper
is the curator of the data and neither the studbook keeper nor the institution
at which that person is employed owns the dataset. The studbook dataset should
be made available to the zoo and aquarium community in the most useful and
globally compatible format.

This information may then
be used to manage the captive population on several levels; quantitative
analyses of genetic and demographic data in particular are used to develop a
management plan that is carried out through specific recommendations for each
specimen in the population. In general, managers try to minimise inbreeding,
grow populations to a level suitable for maintaining sufficient levels of
genetic diversity and maintain these populations at a size that does not impact
on the ability of programmes for other species to achieve their goals. Indeed,
a study on various captive deer species suggested that individuals from those species
managed by an international studbook had a higher relative life expectancy.

International studbooks for
endangered and rare species are kept under the auspices of WAZA. They represent
the highest level of global monitoring/management and are to provide a valuable
service to the zoological community, offering the most complete and accurate
global data on the ex situ population's pedigree and demography, where possible
including husbandry and veterinary guidance, thus enhancing the management of
the population through analysis of the studbook data. In most cases, staff of
WAZA member institutions serves as studbook keepers. Within WAZA the international
studbook programme is overseen by the Committee for Population Management and is
coordinated by a nominated employee at the WAZA Executive Office, in
collaboration with Species360 (formerly theInternational Species Information System). The
Zoological Society of London regularly publishes the updated list of current
international studbooks in the International Zoo Yearbook. Currently, there
are 130 active international studbooks, including 159 species or
sub-species. Species360 maintains a library of active Single Population Analysis
& Records Keeping System (SPARKS) datasets for 156 species or
sub-species, and archived SPARKS datasets for 49 species or sub-species.

Altogether, there are studbooks (international and regional) and/or breeding programmes for more than 1,000 different taxa, some taxa having studbooks in more than one region. Species360 regularly publishes and distributes the ISIS/WAZA Studbook Library DVD.
The 2011 edition comprises 1,540 studbooks, including 1,350 regional and 190
international studbooks, plus 292 husbandry manuals and nearly 2,800 other
documents. This is a significant fraction of the approximately 1,800 assigned
studbooks and represents 99% of published studbooks. In total, 1,145 studbook
keepers from 473 institutions in 66 countries have contributed their work.